In this delightful episode of "Dial It In," hosts Dave Meyer and Trygve Olsen engage in a captivating conversation with special guest Janice Carte, the founder and executive chef of Tiny Spoon Chef. This New Year’s special sees the trio exploring the heart of holiday cooking, kitchen mishaps, and the beauty of simple, yet effective recipes. Join us as we navigate through humorous anecdotes and culinary wisdom aimed at making your holiday season joyous and safe.
The episode kicks off with Trygve sharing a humorous tale of his kitchen mishap involving a mandolin and sweet potatoes, proving once again that everyone has an amusing culinary blunder or two. Despite his attempts at mastering TikTok-inspired potato roses, the experience becomes a teachable moment about safety in the kitchen—and an introduction to Chef Janice, who comes to the rescue with expert cooking advice.
Janice Carte, the renowned chef behind Tiny Spoon Chef, brings her rich culinary expertise to the show. Known for her ability to simplify complex dishes into approachable experiences, Janice's presence in the episode is both informative and inspiring. Her backstory is a testament to passion-led entrepreneurship, beginning with her time in the restaurant industry to founding her own thriving personal chef service that operates in multiple states.
Throughout the conversation, Janice emphasizes the importance of balance in dishes—the integration of salty, sweet, crunchy, and fresh elements to elevate any holiday meal. Her tips revolve around simplicity and assembly, rather than complex procedures, making them perfect for any home cook looking to shine during festive gatherings. From enhancing classic Baked Brie with unexpected ingredients to crafting easy-yet-impressive chocolate ganache desserts, her recipes are both stress-free and flavorful.
Janice encourages listeners to think of cooking as assembling rather than creating from scratch. With fond recollections of her Raclette parties—where guests gather around a table to enjoy melted cheese and a variety of accompaniments—she highlights the communal joy and simplicity of shared meals. This approach ensures that anyone, regardless of their culinary skill level, can bring people together over good food.
Looking ahead to gift-giving, Janice shares her enthusiasm for a few essential kitchen gadgets she’s found invaluable. From uniquely crafted wooden tools to Japanese cast iron pots, her recommendations are sure to delight the cooking enthusiasts on your holiday list.
As the episode wraps up, Janice, Dave, and Trygve reflect on the true spirit of the holidays—being together with loved ones and celebrating through shared experiences and meals. Janice's easy-to-follow advice and approachable hospitality make any listener feel ready to tackle holiday cooking with confidence.
Curious about learning more from Chef Janice Carte or exploring Tiny Spoon Chef’s offerings? Head over to their website and social media to dive into a world where culinary creativity meets home comfort. Whether you're looking for personalized meal services or simply seeking recipe inspiration, Tiny Spoon Chef offers the perfect blend of expertise and heart.
For listeners and food enthusiasts, this episode is a treasure trove of insights, laughter, and practical cooking tips just in time for the holiday season.
Show Notes:
00:00 Understanding Pain and Aging
01:19 Thanksgiving Turducken and TikTok Mishaps
03:47 Introducing Our Sponsor: WeFixHubSpot.com
04:27 Meet Janice: Founder of Tiny Spoon Chef
05:31 Culinary Adventures and AI Embarrassments
06:19 The Journey to Becoming a Chef
07:42 Expanding Tiny Spoon Chef Across the States
08:48 Holiday Cooking Tips and Mandolin Mishaps
12:34 Balancing Flavors for Perfect Dishes
19:18 Creative Puff Pastry Ideas
23:53 Exploring Chocolate Ganache
25:59 Raclette: A Swiss Delight
27:33 The Worst Cooking Disaster
30:28 French Onion Obsession
31:39 Top Kitchen Gadgets for 2025
36:35 Tiny Spoon Chef Experience